TBA research project on lifetime traceability

 

• Research project examining the outcomes and pathways of British-bred Thoroughbreds from birth through racing and into subsequent careers provides solid baseline for the future.
• Four out of five Thoroughbreds entered training in Britain or overseas by six years of age, with approximately seven in ten going on to race.
• Research identifies important traceability gaps, highlighting opportunities to improve the industry's recording and monitoring systems with full traceability action plan underway.
• Findings support the Horse Welfare Board's recently launched five-year strategy, providing an important evidence base for improving lifetime accountability, transparency and horse welfare with commitment to repeat the study in 2028.

The Thoroughbred Breeders' Association (TBA) has released findings from a major, independently verified research project examining the different pathways of British-bred Thoroughbreds, providing important new evidence to support the industry's ambition of achieving 100% lifetime traceability for all horses bred to race in Britain.

The analysis of the 2018 and 2019 British foal population, led by The Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association (TBA), funded by the Racing Foundation, and supported by the BHA data analysis team, looked at multiple data touchpoints from various industry platforms, and represents a significant step forward in understanding what happens to horses bred for racing throughout their lives.

The landmark research, independently verified by Dr Rebecca Mouncey, veterinary surgeon and epidemiologist on behalf of the Royal Veterinary College, has been released to coincide with the launch of the Horse Welfare Board's five-year strategy announced yesterday. The studies provide valuable insight into a Thoroughbred’s journey through breeding, training, racing and subsequent careers, while also identifying important gaps in the provision and quality of information.  

The research found that at least 81% of horses from the registered 2018 foal cohort and 82% from the 2019 cohort had entered training in Britain or overseas by the age of six, with 69% and 71% respectively going on to race.  Some horses were recorded as still in training at the time of the data download (7th August of their respective six-year-old year). These numbers demonstrate that the majority of Thoroughbreds bred to race in Britain are fulfilling the career for which they were bred.

The study also provides important evidence about horses' lives beyond racing, with 23% of those born in 2018 and 24% of those born 2019 having transitioned into the leisure sector by six years of age. 

Aligned to the above, the studies revealed that 25% of females born in 2018 and 28% born 2019, had returned to stud as broodmares by six years of age, whilst 28% of those born 2018 and 27% of those foaled in 2019, had been permanently exported by age six.

The research also highlighted the challenges associated with maintaining accurate and up-to-date information as horses move between different owners, activities and stages of their lives.

The industry has multiple data touchpoints on an average of 97% of horses bred to race, until they take their first step out of the sector; but enhanced visibility is required on an average of 21% of Thoroughbreds when leaving racing, to achieve the sector's traceability goals.

The research found that approximately 10% of the respective registered foal cohorts had died by six years of age. This is comparative to the findings from a study of the 2010 Victorian-born Thoroughbred foal population in Australia, which reported that 16% of horses had died by eight years of age. A separate UK VetCompass study, based on veterinary records of horses and ponies (excluding racing Thoroughbreds) under the care of five large equine practices, estimated a cumulative mortality risk of 11% by six years of age.

These findings suggest that the mortality figures observed in the UK Thoroughbred cohorts may be broadly comparable with estimates from the wider UK horse population, while the Australian study provides a useful international comparison.

Victoria Murrell, the TBA’s Equine Health and Welfare Manager, who has led the research study said: “British racing is one of the most regulated and visible equine populations, but this research has highlighted where important gaps remain in our knowledge of the whereabouts of Thoroughbreds bred to race. It provides a valuable baseline against which we can measure progress and strengthen lifetime traceability.

“The industry’s Traceability Working Group has already identified and prioritised practical solutions, with several measures trialled or implemented and remains committed to delivering the traceability action plan with the support of the Horse Welfare Board.

"The research and associated remedial actions aim to safeguard the prospects of all horses bred to race. Additionally, we believe that demonstrating transparency and accountability is fundamental to building and retaining public trust. That means being open about where gaps remain and, importantly, taking action to address them.

"We are pleased this insight is contributing to the next phase of British racing's welfare strategy and strengthening our collective ambition to achieve comprehensive lifetime traceability for all our Thoroughbreds."

Roly Owers, Chief Executive of World Horse Welfare added: “It has been widely accepted for some time that the welfare of a horse cannot be properly protected unless they are identifiable and traceable. We are greatly encouraged by the scope and rigour of this piece of work, which did not shy away from identifying gaps where traceability can be improved.

“Taking responsibility for every horse bred to race requires collective effort, and we think the TBA have demonstrated real leadership with this study.” 

Dr Rebecca Mouncey, veterinary surgeon and epidemiologist who verified the study added: "By bringing together industry and academic expertise and examining data from multiple sources, we have been able to build a much clearer picture of the different pathways taken by British-bred Thoroughbreds throughout their lives, including what happens to horses after their racing careers.

“This cross-sector collaboration is important in bringing together different perspectives and expertise to address complex questions facing the Thoroughbred industry. The evidence provides an important foundation for understanding where progress is being made, identifying areas where further work is needed, and supporting the industry's ongoing ambition of achieving lifetime traceability for Thoroughbreds bred for racing.”

As highlighted in the launch of yesterday’s Horse Welfare Board five-year strategy, traceability forms a key priority for the industry with a clear action plan in place to reduce gaps in the data and with a commitment to repeat the study in 2028. Full details on the Future of Traceability can be found here.

 

A summary of the research findings is attached and can be found here. 

British Foal Crop Analysis